I just purchased a new Tri-Elmar (along with a 75mm Summilux and a 21mm Elmarit - an exciting morning!) and noticed that close to the infinity mark, the focus movement is a little grabby. It's hard to describe but I'd say that focus feels different through the range of it's movement.

Another lens at the store was the same so I think this is normal. Anyone with a new Tri-Elmar care to comment?

I'm looking forward to using this lens; it's seems like a good choice for light-weight travelling (hiking, for example). I suspect for longer trips, I'd end up carrying other, faster lenses too - a couple of M6 bodies and several lenses is still a relatively small and light package (my goodness, I love this system!).

Regards,
Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), July 10, 2001

Answers

Do you have the old or new version? Although the 3E is not as smooth as a fixed focal length lens, I have have not noticed any focussing stiffness.

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), July 10, 2001.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I have the new version.

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), July 10, 2001.

Your post sent me off to check out my 3E, as I recently purchased the new version as well. For what it is worth, my 3E focusses very smoothly all the way through the range. It may be a very slight bit stiffer at the close-focus end, but it remains silky smooth throughout the entire focus range; no jumps, bumps or binding.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), July 10, 2001.

Mine is smooth as well. Not even any stiffness. On the off chance the rear lens rim (the exposed brass rim at the rear of the lens, that tracks on the focusng lever wheel) is dry due to newness, try wiping it with a little "skin oil" (rub your finger along the side of your nose or forehead, and then wipe your finger along the brass rim). I use this trick too for dry M lens flange rings. It's always available, never drips, and usually provides just that little thin layer of lubricant you might need.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), July 10, 2001.

Dear Fergus, my new Trielmar is like your one and it is normal! enjoy it. regards fabio

-- fabio scaglione (fabioscaglione@tim.it), September 01, 2001.